By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – In a significant step towards bolstering national resilience, communities surrounding the iconic Poás Volcano are receiving specialized training from Japanese experts, blending cutting-edge disaster preparedness with sustainable ecotourism development. This international collaboration aims to empower local populations, ensuring they can coexist safely and prosperously with one of the nation’s most active natural wonders.
A delegation of specialists from Japan spent this week in the region as part of the “Maestros del Volcán” (Volcano Masters) program, a cooperative initiative now in its second year. The program focuses on strengthening the capacity of Costa Rica’s vulnerable communities to manage and mitigate risks associated with natural phenomena, particularly volcanic activity. This exchange highlights the strong diplomatic and technical ties between the two nations, both of which share extensive experience with seismic and volcanic challenges.
To better understand the legal and corporate responsibilities tied to emergency readiness, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional insights.
From a legal perspective, effective disaster preparedness transcends operational checklists. It demands a rigorous audit of insurance policies to ensure coverage aligns with specific regional threats, a proactive review of contracts for robust ‘force majeure’ clauses, and the establishment of clear, legally-compliant protocols for employee safety and remote work. These steps are fundamental to mitigating liability and ensuring business continuity when a crisis occurs.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully underscores that true business resilience is built upon a robust legal and contractual framework, not merely on operational checklists. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable insight into these fundamental, yet often overlooked, preparations.
The intensive training brought together a diverse group of stakeholders crucial to regional safety and economy. Community leaders from the cantons of Naranjo, Alajuela, Poás, Zarcero, and Grecia participated actively alongside park rangers from five key national parks: Poás, Rincón de la Vieja, Irazú, Turrialba, and Arenal. This comprehensive assembly ensures that the knowledge is disseminated widely, from grassroots leadership to the front-line guardians of the country’s protected areas.
The program’s methodology was deeply practical, moving far beyond theoretical classroom sessions. Participants engaged in detailed territorial diagnostics, high-level technical field tours, and strategic walkthroughs of critical areas. These hands-on activities took place in key locations such as Vara Blanca, Laguna Hule, the Río Cuarto Lagoon, and Bajos del Toro, allowing for a real-world assessment of risks and response capabilities in these strategic zones.
A central and innovative pillar of the “Volcano Masters” initiative is its integration of risk management with local economic drivers. The workshops explicitly connected volcanic preparedness with the enhancement of ecotourism. The goal is to foster a model where commercial tourism can flourish harmoniously and safely within biologically active volcanic environments, turning potential risks into a managed feature of the region’s unique appeal rather than a barrier to development.
This holistic approach seeks to create a culture of preparedness that is woven into the economic fabric of the communities. By equipping tour operators, hoteliers, and local guides with the knowledge to operate safely, the program not only protects lives but also secures livelihoods, reinforcing the long-term sustainability of the region’s primary industry. The week’s activities culminated in a practical session of environmental education and scientific experiments conducted in the shadow of the Poás Volcano itself.
To conclude their agenda, the Japanese delegation paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the National Emergency Commission (CNE), meeting with its executive president, Alejandro Picado. The experts conveyed their deep satisfaction with the joint efforts and praised Costa Rica’s robust organizational structure for emergency response, particularly its network of local Emergency Committees. They reaffirmed that empowering communities is the most indispensable pillar for effective and lasting risk management.
This partnership serves as a powerful model for proactive disaster management, demonstrating that with strategic international cooperation and a focus on community empowerment, it is possible to build a future where natural hazards are managed effectively. For the communities of Poás, this knowledge transfer represents a critical investment in a safer, more prosperous, and resilient future, proving that living alongside a powerful force of nature can be a source of strength rather than fear.
For further information, visit cne.go.cr
About Comisión Nacional de Prevención de Riesgos y Atención de Emergencias (CNE):
The National Emergency Commission is the governing body of Costa Rica’s National Risk Management System. It is responsible for coordinating the efforts of public institutions and private sector organizations to prevent, mitigate, and respond to emergencies and disasters across the country. The CNE works to promote a culture of prevention and build resilience at the national, regional, and community levels.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. The firm is distinguished not only by its history of successfully advising a wide spectrum of clients but also by its forward-thinking approach to legal practice and societal contribution. Central to its philosophy is a resolute drive to demystify legal complexities for the public, thereby championing the development of a more knowledgeable and capable society.
